Kenny Golladay

New York Giants in talks with Kenny Golladay, expected to bring him in for a visit

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

The New York Giants are fully in on top free-agent wide receiver Kenny Golladay. According to Ian Rapoport, the Giants “have been in talks” with Golladay and they are likely to bring him in for a visit prior to signing him to a deal. Rapoport reports that there is “mutual interest” between Golladay and the Giants.

Ian Rapoport followed this report up, saying that Kenny Golladay will spend time with Giants head coach Joe Judge and the team’s brass. This visit could result in a deal being made. The Giants have been in the market for a new number one receiving threat, and Golladay could fit the bill.

Kenny Golladay is the top free agent on the market and will not come cheap. Thankfully, New York freed up cap space this week by restructuring Nate Solder’s contract and signing Leonard Williams to a contract extension. The Giants have the space to make a deal work with Kenny Golladay. Now, it is just about ironing out the details and making that deal happen.

The New York Giants do not have a top receiving threat like Kenny Golladay. The former Detroit Lion topped 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons (2018 and 2019). Golladay was a Pro Bowl wide receiver in 2019 that led the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns.

Kenny Golladay is coming off of a season-ending hip injury in 2020, which is part of the reason why the Giants want to meet with Kenny before they sign him (per Jordan Raanan of ESPN). The Giants want to check on Kenny’s hip and get some questions answered regarding the way his time in Detroit ended. Raanan states that a signing probably would not happen without a visit.

This visit is a huge step for the New York Giants. If all goes well, the New York Giants could walk away from the 2021 free agency period with the market’s top wide receiver. This is an intriguing situation to monitor in the coming days.

Report: New York Giants ‘interested’ in WR Kenny Golladay

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

It is no secret that the New York Giants desperately need to allocate resources toward an offensive playmaker. While the 2021 NFL draft offers an extremely deep receiver class, free agency also has its benefits.

The Giants have been linked to Detroit Lions WR1 Kenny Golladay for quite some time, inquiring about him prior to the trade deadline in 2020. It is no surprise that they are once again keeping tabs on him as free agency starts on March 17. However, legal tampering for players begins on Monday, so the Giants could already be in contact with him at the start of the week, gauging his price tag and health coming off an injury-riddled 2020 season.

On ESPN’s Breaking Big Blue podcast, beat reporter Jordan Raanan states that the Giants are very clearly interested in Kenny Golladay and will likely place a bid on him in free agency.

“There’s some concerns about Kenny Golladay, but this is a player the Giants are interested in,” Raanan said. “This isn’t just me making a grand assumption; this isn’t just me connecting the dots. I am telling you, the Giants are interested in Kenny Golladay. There’s a reason they called the Lions last year around the trade deadline. A deal wasn’t going to happen, but it’s a player that’s interesting to them — that they like.

“Now, there are some concerns. He’s been injured, he’s played one 16-game season in his four years and there’s a reason the Lions didn’t really want to sign him long-term. They obviously did not feel totally comfortable giving him that money.”

What would Kenny Golladay bring to the New York Giants?

Golladay played in just five games last season, totaling 338 yards and two scores. His best season came in 2019 when he earned a Pro Bowl nod for his performance. Playing an entire 16 game season, Golladay posted 1190 yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL when healthy.

This correlates extremely well to Allen Robinson’s time in Jacksonville, having posted just one season with over 1000 yards and double-digit scores, but spent the 2017 season injured and then signed a big contract with the Chicago Bears anyway.

Golladay has two seasons with over 1000 yards under his belt, so you could make the argument he was better than Robinson when he left Jacksonville.

At 27 years old, Kenny likely has another three years left of elite play left in him, maybe more. The Giants have tried to stick with three-year contracts as of late, and I think that would be a perfect amount of time for the big-body receiver unless an alternative team is willing to offer more years and more money.

Nonetheless, he would be a perfect scheme thing with the Giants, offering them a big body to utilize against man-coverage and in the red-zone. When at the top of his game, Golladay is an unstoppable receiver with an extraordinary wingspan. He would offer Daniel Jones a great security blanket and a bonafide WR1.

New York Giants: The Draft Network names wide receiver as number one need

by
New York Giants, Devonta Smith

Going into the NFL Draft as well as free agency, the New York Giants have more than one need they need to fill before they can take a step forward. They did nearly make it into the playoffs in 2020, but a lot of luck was involved for them to stay in the race and the Giants can’t count on that again this year. However, while their need to add talent is clear, it’s not so clear just where that talent needs to go.

We can, however, get some idea of which areas the Giants might be looking at just from looking at the tape last season. The Draft Network, one of the better outlets breaking down draft prospects every year, did just that and came up with a list of positions the Giants need to address – receiver was at the top of it.

Taking a look at the options

Without a true No. 1 receiver, Jones and the entire New York offense struggled to put together drives all year in 2020. Filling that role in free agency or the draft could boost Jones’ performance and confidence, in turn benefiting the entire Giants offense.

Kenny Golladay is a great fit here in free agency, and after trade deadline rumors linking him with the Giants, it’s likely New York is continuing to look at Golladay as one of their options.

Golladay has been a thousand yard receiver for the past couple years when he’s been healthy, but his availability is in question. It looks like the Giants have the highest chance of picking up a playmaker through the draft, where there’s a number of highly rated receiver prospects such as Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle.

It’s likely that one or two of these players will be off the board by the time the Giants pick at number eleven overall, but considering the depth at the position in this class, they have a chance to get a quality playmaker that will help Daniel Jones regardless. Assuming, of course, the Giants go the orthodox route and take a receiver – under Dave Gettleman, you never quite know if they’ll take the expected path, after all.

The receiver the New York Giants want and the one they will likely end up with

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

One way or another, the New York Giants need to address the wide receiver position this off-season. Whether it be through free agency or the 2021 NFL draft, quarterback Daniel Jones desperately needs weapons to utilize in the passing game. The Giants ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing efficiency last season, despite Jones being one of the most accurate deep-ball passers in that league. However, when you don’t have adequate downfield threats to work with, that statistic doesn’t hold much weight.

Management has already guaranteed that the Giants will allocate resources toward the WR position, but it comes down to a matter of who. On Tuesday afternoon, reports indicated that WR Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions was not franchised tagged, so he will hit free agency, making him the first WR1 to hit the open market in quite some time.

It is very rare that a WR1 is available for the taking, but the Lions feel as though they want to go in a different direction with new management and a new quarterback. However, Chicago Bears stand-out receiver Allen Robinson was hit with a tag, making Kenny the most expensive and prized receiver on the market. Whatever team aggressively tries to sign him will end up overpaying, and he could earn upwards of $17 million per season.

Can the New York Giants open up that much cap space?

If that is the case, the Giants can find ways to manipulate their cap space, but they will have to offload contracts to 2022 when they have a bit more flexibility, and the cap is expected to rise after COVID-19. Nonetheless, they don’t have much money to work with this off-season, and creating enough to fit Golladay under the maximum number could be problematic.

With that being said, the Giants could easily settle for a lesser option like Corey Davis of the Tennessee Titans. While Golladay spent most of his 2020 season injured, playing in just five games, Davis had his best season to date. Over 14 games, he posted 984 yards and five touchdowns with a 70.7% catch rate, which is extremely impressive. Davis isn’t a bonafide number one receiver, but he’s capable of upgrading the Giants’ unit significantly.

Golladay, on the other hand, is one year moved from a 1,190 yard and 11 touchdown season, establishing himself as one of the best WRs in the NFL. In addition, he is the perfect scheme fit for Jason Garrett and his offense. Targeting man coverage assignments, Garrett loves to call plays focused on matchups against press-man downfield.

The Giants scarcely threw the ball 20+ yards downfield in 2020, but when they did, it was often against man-coverage. I believe JG will take a more aggressive route in 2021, especially if they acquire a big body receiver to target. Now, based on the demand Golladay will likely inflict on the market when free agency starts on March 17, I believe Davis might be the option of falls into the Giants’ lap.

Report: New York Giants might still have a shot at WR Kenny Golladay in free agency

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

With free agency starting in a few days, the New York Giants have plenty of work to do to clear cap space and retain some of their players hitting the market. However, one thing management guaranteed this off-season was the bolstering of offensive playmakers.

Last season, the Giants’ offense averaged 17.5 points per game, good for second to last in the NFL, just above the New York Jets. Their receivers ranked near the bottom of the league in yards of separation, and Daniel Jones’ touchdown totals resembled half of what he earned in 2019 as a rookie.

If the Giants want to have a competent offense and extract the most from Jones, who is entering his third season in the NFL, they will utilize free agency and the 2021 NFL draft to provide him with more weapons.

It was thought that WR Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions would be franchise tagged, but a recent report has indicated that he might hit the free-agent market, which should make him the best receiver available, given Allen Robinson is tagged by the Bears.

The Giants were connected previously to Golladay in a potential trade during the 2020 season, but nothing materialized, and he remained with Detroit. Now, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that he could test the market as the Lions look to move forward with Jared Goff and new management.

What would Kenny Golladay bring to the New York Giants?

Golladay is a perfect scheme fit for Jason Garrett and his system. A 6’4” and 214-pound receiver, Golladay has the ability to dominate in man-coverage and win 50/50 matchups. Garrett loved to utilize spray fades last season, exposing man coverage.

However, they didn’t have a taller receiver who could muscle balls away from corners routinely. Tight end Evan Engram was their best player in that facet, but his drops ended up plaguing the Giants and ultimately played a part in them missing the postseason.

Golladay wouldn’t only revitalize the WR corps, but he will provide Daniel Jones with a true WR1. Jones has been doomed to a life of second-tier receivers, with Sterling Shepard offering his best weapon. While Shep is a phenomenal receiver in his own right, he doesn’t have the size or speed to be a WR1 on the outside.

The question is, how much would Kenny Golladay cost, and would it be worth it for the Giants to place a significant bid?

Personally, I think the Giants will do whatever it takes to sign “BabyTron,” who spent a majority of the 2020 season with a hip issue. He played in just five games and hauled in 20 receptions for 338 yards and two scores. He’s one-year removed from catching 65 passes for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 scores in 2019.

Having Golladay on the outside and Shep opposite, Jones would have plenty of weapons to work with, especially with running back Saquon Barkley expected to return. On paper, their offense would be upgraded, but unless the chemistry and playcalling are up to par, it won’t matter at the end of the day.

New York Giants could already be out on top wide receivers in free agency

by
Allen Robinson, New York Giants

The New York Giants will be aggressive this off-season in adding offensive talent to assist Daniel Jones as he enters the third year on his rookie contract. If the Giants truthfully feel that Jones can be their franchise quarterback, giving him the weapons necessary is a priority, so we should expect them to be active in the free-agent market, but there could be some pushback by teams looking to retain the top receivers.

The consensus is that Allen Robinson of the Chicago Bears and Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions are the two top WRs on the market. With that being said, talented players are oftentimes franchise tagged by their teams to keep them around on a one-year deal. Both Robinson and Golladay could be doomed to this reality in the coming weeks, which would make their desire to hit free agency and sign long-term deals a bit more tumultuous.

CBS’s Jason La Canfora believes that Golladay will be tagged by Detroit:

Multiple league sources have told me Golladay will get the tag after his relationship with the prior regime in Detroit got rocky over prolonged extension negotiations. Could this be an eventual tag and trade? People around the league wouldn’t rule that out with the Lions rebuilding and trying to amass picks.

Golladay finished the 2020 season playing just five games, picking up 338 yards and two scores. He recorded a career-high 62.5% catch rate over the small sample size, but he would be a perfect fit with the Giants and coordinator Jason Garrett. As a big possession receiver, he can win 50/50 balls and dominate man coverage. Some would argue he is a proven receiver that has room to grow, and giving Jones a player of his quality would exponentially make him more effective.

As for Robinson, who is coming off a solid season with 1,250 yards and six scores, he will likely demand the most money on the market if he is not tagged. The expectation is that Chicago will do just that and potentially look to trade him for draft capital. However, this might be a good off-season for him to endure that reality, that way, he can cash in next year when the salary cap rises.

If both Kenny and Allen are off the board for the Giants, the mid-tier options are still somewhat attractive. Targeting Curtis Samuel and Corey Davis will likely be the Giants’ latter options, and I’m sure they’re preparing for that reality.

 

The franchise tag might spoil the New York Giants’ free agency plans and dreams

by
New York Giants, Dave Gettleman

The New York Giants are tight on cap space this offseason. However, the team is still looking to rebuild their offense and has been linked to a few expensive, big-name free agents. There are some elite impending free agents that could fill huge needs for the Giants in free agency.

However, just because these players are impending free agents, does not mean they will hit the open market. The Giants are going to be interested in upgrading their wide receiver and offensive tackle positions. Whether that be through free agency or the draft is dependent on who is actually available in free agency.

Giants fans have selected a few impending free agents that they want the Giants to sign. Players like Kenny Golladay, Allen Robinson, Taylor Moton, and Shaquil Barrett are all superb free agents that Giants fans would love to see their team sign.

However, it is very likely that none of these players will actually hit the open market. Their contracts are expiring and it seems likely that they depart from their current teams. But the teams do have one move to make to prevent their stars from leaving. Giants fans should not expect to see any of those players make it to free agency as they are likely to franchise tag candidates.

The Giants might lose their top free-agent targets to the franchise tag

If Kenny Golladay were to hit free agency, he would likely be the Giants’ top target. New York had an interest in trading for Golladay near the 2020 trade deadline. He is now an impending free agent and would be the perfect addition to the Giants’ offense. However, they might never get the chance to offer him a contract. According to reports, the Lions are likely to franchise tag the star wide receiver.

Another interesting name that connects to the Giants is Taylor Moton. This stud offensive tackle was drafted by Dave Gettleman during his tenure as general manager of the Carolina Panthers. Now, serving the same role for the New York Giants, a reunion would be a dream come true for the Giants. New York would get a top-shelf bookend on their offensive line if Moton were to sign with them in free agency. But, again, Moton is likely to be franchise tagged and the Giants will not have the opportunity to offer him a contract.

This will continue to be a theme as one starts listing off the top free agents in the 2021 free agency class. Teams are not willing to let their top players walk away for nothing. If New York really wants one of these players, they might have to trade for them while they are on the franchise tag.

Realistically, the Giants cannot afford to give up draft capital for these players either. Giants fans can hope and dream that their team lands a top-tier player like Kenny Golladay. But those fans should temper their expectations and expect to see the Giants shop a tier below. This free agency class is loaded with wide receiver talent. New York could target a less-expensive option like Curtis Samuel or Corey Davis.

If the Giants want to get their offensive playmaker, they will. But the franchise tag will likely prevent them from getting the best offensive playmaker. Alas, the Giants will target the best players they can in free agency, but the true roster-building takes place during the NFL Draft.

Should the New York Giants double dip at wide receiver in free agency and the draft?

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

The New York Giants are in need of offensive reinforcements. General manager Dave Gettleman and co-owner John Mara promised fans that they would fix the offense this offseason. Finding weapons for Daniel Jones is going to be a top priority for the Giants and their front office.

Fortunately, there will be a boat load off offensive talent available this offseason. In free agency there will be numerous top-tier wide receivers that could hit the open market. This year’s NFL Draft class is also loaded with wide receiver and tight end talent. The Gaints have no excuses. They will have every opportunity to find an offensive playmaker this offseason, and they better take advantage.

Many fans and analysts are predicting that the Giants will sign a big-name wide receiver in free agency, like Kenny Golladay. This opens things up for the Giants and their draft strategy. Landing a playmaker in free agency would allow the Giants to focus on different positions, maybe even on defense, in the first round of the NFL Draft.

But what if the Giants did not alter their draft strategy in such a way? What if the Giants went best player available at eleven overall, whether that is an offensive playmaker or not? Well, the best player could potentially be one of the draft’s top wide receiver talents, such as Devonta Smith, JaMarr Chase, or Jaylen Waddle. The Giants could potentially double dip at the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft after signing a wide receiver in free agency.

Who could the Giants sign in free agency?

It seems like a very likely scenario for the Giants to land wide receiver Kenny Golladay in free agency. The only thing that could potentially stop Golladay from hitting the open market is if the Lions use their franchise tag on him. Golladay has already declined a lucrative contract offer from Detroit.

If Kenny Golladay hits the free agent market, the Giants should make signing him a top priority. The Giants had interest in trading for Kenny Golladay back in October. They inquired but no deal was made. Now, the impending free agency could be the Giants’ top target in free agency, and many analysts believe he will be. Many analysts are predicting that the Giants will, in fact, sign Kenny Golladay.

But even if New York does not land Kenny Golladay, there are other great wide receivers they could pursue. Names like Cory Davis and Curtis Samuel stand out as slightly cheaper options with different playing styles. Still, these players could be huge additions in the Giants’ pitiful, 17.5 points per game offense.

Double dipping in the draft

Assuming the Giants accomplish their mission and land a wide receiver in free agency, the likely next step would be to address a different position in the draft. But New York could go a different route and completely overhaul their offense. The Giants could double dip at the wide receiver position in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, depending on how the board shapes out.

If a player like Jaylen Waddle or Devonta Smith were on the board at eleven, those would be premiere offensive talents, extremely difficult to pass up on. Regardless of who the Giants sign in free agency, they should strongly consider drafting one of these top wide receiver talents if they have the chance to.

A wide receiver corpse featuring Kenny Golladay, Jaylen Waddle, and Sterling Shepard would be dominant. The more playmakers the better for Daniel Jones entering his third season.

Kenny Golladay is an elite wide receiver that could go for one thousand receiving yards and make plays at every level of the field. Jaylen Waddle has a ceiling so high no one can see it and could be a game-changing playmaker to stretch the field for the Giants’ offense. Sterling Shepard, now a savvy veteran, would be that underneath option to get open and make scrappy plays. The Giants cannot forget about Darius Slayton as well, who, in this scenario, would be an incredible fourth receiving option.

Throw this group of playmakers in alongside Saquon Barkley and the Giants’ offense could go from worst to first in a year. Sure, drafting a stud cornerback or edge rusher would be beneficial for the Giants’ defense in round one, especially if they sign a wide receiver in free agency. But if the Giants are going “best player available,” they cannot pass up on one of the top three wide receiver talents in this year’s draft. The Giants’ offense could receive a massive overhaul and turn things around in one short offseason.

Why Kenny Golladay should be the New York Giants’ top target in free agency

by
New York Giants, Kenny Golladay

The New York Giants will be looking to upgrade their offense this offseason. One position New York will target is wide receiver. The Giants’ receiving trio of Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Golden Tate underperformed in 2020. In 2021, New York will hopefully add a new face to the mix.

While the Giants are in need of a new receiving threat for Daniel Jones, they are entering a free agency period loaded with talent at the position they so desperately need to upgrade. Amongst the top free-agent wide receivers includes Pro Bowl talents like Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, and Chris Godwin.

One of those big three stands out amongst the rest as a perfect fit for the New York Giants. Kenny Golladay should be the New York Giants’ top target in free agency.

Why Kenny Golladay is a perfect fit for the Giants

The top three wide receivers in free agency are going to be expensive. New York is already tight on cap space, but will likely make cuts to free up space and make a run at one of these top receiving options. Allen Robinson will be the most expensive option and will likely be priced out of the Giants’ price range.

But just a peg below Robinson will be Kenny Golladay. Now, Golladay will also command a boat-load of money. But he is definitely going to be the more affordable option of the top two receivers. According to Spotrac, Golladay is projected to receive a contract worth around $17 million on average annually. Allen Robinson’s projected market value is around $20 million on average annually.

The Giants can save a few million dollars by bidding on Kenny Golladay instead of Allen Robinson but still receive a huge influx of talent. The Giants do not have a receiver like Kenny Golladay. Kenny is a true wide receiver who lines up all over the field and puts up big numbers.

Additionally, Kenny Golladay is a perfect scheme fit for Jason Garrett’s offense. Garrett loves a big-body wide receiver who can make contested catches as he had with Dez Bryant during their best years in Dallas. Golladay is one of the best contested-catch receivers in the NFL.

Kenny Golladay stats and highlights

Since 2019, Kenny Golladay has the fourth-highest contested catch rate in the NFL at 67%, per Pro Football Focus. Golladay’s 36 contested catches in 2019 and 2020 combined is the third-highest total in that time span, and he only played five games in 2020. Kenny is also the vertical threat that the Giants desperately need but do not have.

Golladay’s average depth of target in 2019 and 2020 was 15.8 yards, the fourth-highest amongst NFL wide receivers. Kenny proved to be one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers in 2019. He made his first Pro Bowl appearance after racking up 1,190 yards on 65 receptions and a league-high 11 touchdown receptions.

Kenny Golladay is a true number one wide receiver. The Giants reportedly inquired about a trade for Kenny Golladay in October of 2020. It makes sense why they were interested, and they should still be interested in entering the 2021 free agency period. If Golladay does indeed hit the open market this year, the New York Giants should make him their top target.

Why the New York Giants might draft defense at eleven overall

by
Micah Parsons, new york giants

The New York Giants are entering another crucial roster-building offseason. The biggest point of emphasis for the GIants’ front office this offseason is to revamp the offense. New York’s offense was pitiful in 2020 and they need to fix that to find success in 2021.

This has led many fans and analysts to speculate that the Giants will spend their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on an offensive weapon. The Giants hold the eleventh overall pick in this year’s draft. This puts the team in perfect position to draft a top-tier wide receiver or tight end. But there are reasons to believe that the Giants could go defense with their number eleven pick in April.

Contingent on free agency

The Giants have a plethora of weaknesses on their roster. Ideally, fans would like to see the Giants add another talented cornerback to the mix and improve the pass-rush. Additionally, the Giants need to find their new offensive weapon. The Giants had interest in trading for Kenny Golladay back in October, so it is likely that they will pursue a wide receiver in free agency.

If the Giants do land one of those big-name free agent wide receivers, they could look to fill another one of those needs in the draft. The top of this year’s draft class features some prominent defensive prospects.

Deep wide receiver class

The Giants might not need to spend their first-round pick to get an offensive weapon. The 2021 NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent. There are prospects that will be available in the second and third rounds that have the potential to be quality starters in the NFL.

New York needs a new primary wide receiver for Daniel Jones to rely on in the passing game. If the Giants are unable to acquire one in free agency, it is likely that they will draft one in the first round, but it is not necessarily a guarantee. There are some very talented defensive prospects that the Giants could consider at eleven, before drafting a talented receiving option in the second round.

Micah Parsons, Caleb Farley, Gregory Rousseau, and other defenders might be enticing options for the Giants in the first round. Parsons is a rare linebacker prospect that could revolutionize the Giants’ defense. Farley is an intriguing cornerback option that could fill a huge hole in New York’s secondary. And Rousseau is a talented pass-rusher that could fill another need for the Giants on defense.

Taking one of these players in the first round would open up the possibility for the Giants to take a second-round wide receiver prospect. The electric Rondale Moore could be available in round two, as well as the human-joystick Kadarius Toney. This is a year where a team could realistically find a number one receiver in the second round. This could allow the New York Giants to draft a defensive prospect in round one.